Best Smart Locks for Keyless Home Entry

Deadbolt Grade: Security Starts with the Bolt

A smart lock is only as secure as the deadbolt behind its electronics. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) grade deadbolts on a scale from Grade 1 (highest security) to Grade 3 (residential standard). Grade 1 deadbolts are typically found in commercial settings but are increasingly available in residential smart locks for homeowners who want maximum security.

Grade 2 is the most common rating for quality residential smart locks and provides a good balance of security and cost. Grade 3 deadbolts meet basic residential standards but offer less resistance to forced entry. When comparing smart locks, check the deadbolt grade — it is a more meaningful security indicator than any smart feature.

The lock's physical installation also matters. A Grade 1 deadbolt installed with short screws into a weak door frame will not perform to its rating. Use long screws that reach into the wall stud behind the frame, and ensure the strike plate is properly secured.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Z-Wave

A smart lock's connectivity determines how it communicates with your phone and other devices, and each option has trade-offs in range, power consumption, and features.

Wi-Fi locks connect directly to your home router, enabling remote control from anywhere without a hub. The downside is power consumption — Wi-Fi drains batteries faster than other protocols, typically requiring replacement every 4–8 months.

Bluetooth locks communicate directly with your phone when you are nearby. They are the most energy-efficient option, with battery life often exceeding a year, but they do not support remote control unless paired with a separate Wi-Fi bridge.

Z-Wave locks connect through a Z-Wave hub, which then connects to your network. This allows remote control and integration with other Z-Wave devices while keeping battery drain low. However, you need a compatible hub, which adds cost. Z-Wave is a good choice if you are building a broader smart home system with a hub at its center.

Battery Life and Keyless Entry Methods

Smart locks run on batteries, and a dead battery means you are locked out unless you have a backup entry method. Battery life ranges from 4 months on Wi-Fi locks to over a year on Bluetooth models. Most locks send low-battery alerts through the app, but it is important to replace batteries promptly when warned.

Keyless entry methods vary by model. App-based unlock requires your phone to be connected and nearby (Bluetooth) or connected to the internet (Wi-Fi). Keypad entry works without a phone and is ideal for children, guests, and anyone who does not want to use an app. Fingerprint entry is the fastest method for daily use but requires sensor maintenance and backup methods for when the sensor cannot read your print.

A physical key backup is worth having. Even with smart features, a key provides a fail-safe entry method that works regardless of battery status, network outages, or app problems. Some smart locks replace the keyway entirely, which means you have no manual backup — consider whether that is a risk you are comfortable with.

Auto-Lock and Smart Features

Auto-lock is one of the most useful features on a smart lock. After the door is closed, the lock automatically engages the deadbolt after a set delay — typically 30 seconds to 5 minutes. This eliminates the "did I lock the door?" anxiety and is especially valuable for busy households.

Other useful features include tamper alerts, which notify you if someone is trying to force the lock; door position sensors, which tell you if the door is closed before auto-locking; and scheduling, which can automatically lock at a set time each night. Guest access codes that can be created, scheduled, and revoked from the app are valuable for anyone who has regular visitors or rental guests.

When comparing features, focus on the ones that match your routine. A lock with dozens of features you never use is not better than a simpler lock that does the few things you need reliably.